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National Indigenous Peoples' Day celebrated in Abbotsford

National Indigenous Peoples’ Day was celebrated in Abbotsford on June 21st, with Pow wow drumming, storytelling, Salish weaving and other crafts, face painting, free food and more. Over 1,000 Abbotsford School District students visited Thunderbird Memorial Square for the festivities, recognizing and celebrating the cultures and contributions of the First Nations, Inuit and Métis Indigenous peoples in Canada.

Students from Robert Bateman Secondary were also in attendance to showcase their Art Activism Project, titled Lex̱éywa. Lex̱éywa - “Torch” - calls us to consider the history and impact of residential schools on a national level, as well as on a local scale, as viewers move through the circular exhibition. This art project visually narrates the life story of Bea Silver; a prominent Elder, educator, leader and residential school survivor. 20 large-scale paintings are paired with audio recordings that relayed Bea Silver's story chronologically, uncovering an individual experience that speaks to the lasting impact of residential schools, as well as universal truths, struggles and ultimately, the resilience of one exceptionally strong survivor of this history we all share.

This event brought communities together in partnership as an act of reconciliation with the work of a joint committee from the Aboriginal Communities, the City of Abbotsford, Abbotsford School District, Fraser Valley Regional Library, The Reach, Literacy Matters Abbotsford, other businesses, sponsors and community service providers.